Instructor and Forward Riding School Founder

Maxine Lewis is a NCCP certified riding instructor,​specializing in designing programs to support beginner/intermediate riders.She thrives on teaching students of all levels using the methodology gained from working with her coach, gold medal Olympian Tom Gayford and over 20 years working with and managing people in the corporate environment.

Program details

Forward Riding School is located 35 minutes north of Toronto at Fox Den Farm. All our instructors and coaches are certified by Equestrian Canada and the Ontario Equestrian Federation. We follow Equestrian ​Canada’s Learn to Ride program. The EC program was developed for individuals who wish to learn safe horsemanship and practices. The purpose of this program is to produce safe and knowledgeable horse people.

EC rider level testing is available, but not required, as riders progress though the levels.Please contact us to learn more.​

Level 1

Beginner riders will learn how to catch, halter and lead a horse. They will gain experience tacking and grooming their mount and barn safety.​In the arena they will learn to trot on the correct diagonal, ride a 20 meter circle and go over ground poles. Before passing to level 2 they will know the parts of a horse, bride, saddle, artificial and natural aids.

Level 2

Riders will be introduced to cantering and they learn to identify walk, trot and canter leg sequences. As their confidence grows they will be able to trot without stirrups and practice figures at all paces.

Before passing to level 3, riders will know how to tie a slip knot, identify items in a grooming kit and understand basic feeding.

Level 3

At this level riders will jump a cross rail, learn how to change leads through the trot and striding.

Their stable knowledge will include hoof care, how to assemble a bridle, clean tack, blanketing and stable construction.

Level 4

The intermediate rider will recognize straightness and shape. They will learn to trot and canter a 15m circle. Their accomplishments will include cantering a course of cross rails and vertical jumps.

In the stable they will learn how to lay a mane, measure a horse, and where feed bins are placed. Common vaccines and bandaging will also be taught. Riders will learn to identify leg markings and a variety of bits.